Simpson, Butsch Receive SEC Postseason Honors

April 24, 2014, 03:36 PM (CT)
Updated: April 24, 2014, 03:38 PM (CT)

LSU's Chris Simpson

Kyle Zedaker

Bria Turner

BIRMINGHAM, La. – Junior Chris Simpson and freshman Justin Butsch earned Second Team All-SEC and All-Freshman Team honors, the league announced Thursday. Both Simpson and Butsch received an SEC Weekly Award during the season.

Simpson clinched three matches during his junior season, including LSU’s thrilling 4-3 victory in its dual-season opener at Rice on January 19. Butsch clinched four matches for the Tigers in his freshman campaign, including LSU’s first SEC win at Ole Miss on March 23 and a thrilling 4-3 win over George Washington on March 12.

“Chris and Justin have both been big keys in the matches that we’ve been successful in,” said LSU head coach Jeff Brown.

Simpson is the only LSU player ranked in singles and has stayed in the rankings the entire season. The Derby, England native, is LSU's No. 1 player and competed against 14 ranked opponents while compiling an 11-13 record in the dual season on court one. Simpson is currently ranked at No. 95.

In doubles, Simpson and partner Boris Arias played to a 10-6 record on court one and held a 3-4 record against nationally-ranked teams. The duo has been ranked through most of the dual season with their current placement in the standings at No. 34.

"Chris has been a leader for us in singles and doubles for a number of years now," Brown said. "I think his best tennis is ahead of him."

Butsch improved from court six to court two in the singles lineup, with the most success on courts three and five. The Miami native had an overall 3-1 record on court three and 5-3 record on court five. Butsch compiled an 11-9 dual season record and a 19-15 record overall. Butsch was 3-3 overall in SEC play and undefeated on two courts, going 2-0 on court five and 1-0 on court three throughout the conference season.

"Justin really got on board early in the season and he’s one of the best competitors that we’ve had," Brown said. "His upside is huge. We look forward to watching him develop.”

The Tigers finished the SEC tournament with a 14-14 overall record on the season. LSU awaits the decision of the NCAA for the tournament selections. The Selection Committee will announce its decisions on Tuesday, April 29 at 4 p.m. CT.

For up-to-date information and behind the scenes access on the Tigers, fans can follow the LSU men’s tennis team on Twitter and Instagram at @lsutennis and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lsutennis.